Hi,
My family lives in Southrn California and we have owned the same factory Green 1200, '72 2 door sedan for 26 years. Has 275,00 miles with is third engine(A12A) recently installed. However, needs new front coil springs and struts. Can't find any? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Roger

Roger,
If you want to have it done, try Vodies on GG Blvd. They do good work at a reasonable price. I have been going to them for years. If you want to DIY, try www.napaonline or www.rockauto.com for online parts. I have had good luck with both of them, too.

Were you the fellow that I saw on Beach Bl a month or so ago? A fellow in a green 1200 sedan pulled up next to me in my pale yellow 1200 Coupe. I didn't notice the 1200 right away until they pulled ahead of me in traffic. I passed them and waived as I went by.

If that was you, you're the only other 1200 I have seen on the street, ever.

Duncan,

Thanks for the info. I just went to Vodies's prior to sending the original message. They are still trying to find the struts; they say I don't need to replace the coil springs. I'll let you know what transpires.

And yes, I was the the Grn Datsun that went by you on Beach. I tryed to get your attention before I left.

Roger

In the United States:

* you can get strut cartridge inserts (shocks) and coils springs by posting a message in our Classifieds. In other words, buy some good used parts. Coil springs don't usually go bad, however. If one side is sitting lower than the other, there might be something wrong.

* Quickor Engineering will build you a set of custom springs. They are not listed in their catalog, but I've spoken with them and they say they have the specs on hand and can make them on request.

* Possibly you could cut-down B210 or B310 springs to fit. B110 is 110 mm diameter and the newer ones are 100 mm but they might fit. They are 45 mm longer. Most other Datsun springs are much larger in diameter.

* As of 8 Nov 2011, brand new strut Insert shocks (original wet type) are for sale at Classic Garage. These are Koni brand.

* Some 1200 owners use VW Golf inserts, such as Bilstein part number W0133-1604944. See VW Rabbit Inserts

Newer strut inserts, including North America B210 strut inserts, are probably too big as they use 50mm diamater struts, while B110 uses 45 mm struts.

USA 1200 owners can also buy them mail order:




about $250 per pair from BProjects

I got a pair of 240z koni from classic garage- I recomend them so far. Their service for net based transaction was great! Even here in australia!

Just as an FYI, our first "race set up" featured cut down 240Z springs, most of the Datsun springs are very close in size.............I'd be surprised if it really needs springs.

Many years ago we bought a kit that featured a new seal for the strut and poured in the weight oil we wanted, so the wet kit would likely work just fine.

it's nice to see someone else having a car that long...........er of course I've sold ours twice, thankfully it has come back both times.

Tom